Media Centre

01 08 2019 - Media release

Bunya Entertainment has announced production of the online sketch comedy series Nice Shorts, Bunya’s first foray into comedy.

Bunya Entertainment – part of the broader Bunya Group - has partnered with comedy writers Nick Boshier and Jazz Twemlow to deliver a 16 x 3-10min series that tackles big meaty ideas with humour and a whole lot of heart. The content will tap into national and international conversations to create videos for weekly release via social platforms.

Screen Australia is a principal investor and the series is produced with investment from the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland. A portion of the production will take place in Queensland.

A team of some of Australia’s best comedy writers and performers – both established and emerging - has been assembled around the project including Nick Boshier (Bondi Hipsters, #7DaysLater, Soul Mates), Jazz Twemlow (Tonightly, The Roast), Nazeem Hussain (Legally Brown), Greta Lee Jackson (Wham Bam Thank You Ma’am), Penny Greenhalgh (The Lost Tapes) and Bjorn Stewart (Get Krackin’, Black Comedy).

Bunya Group’s CEO Sophia Zachariou said: “We are very excited to announce Bunya Entertainment’s first production and the Group’s first comedy and to be working with such a fantastic creative team of writers and performances. Like the dramas we’re best known for, the quality of writing in Nice Shorts will be the hallmark of this show.”

Lee Naimo, Screen Australia’s Online Investment Manager said: “Nice Shorts is set to fill a gap in the Australian sketch comedy space, with comedy that will entertain viewers while also challenging their thinking on topical issues. We’re thrilled to support these established creatives and to also be able to offer an opportunity for emerging talent.”

Nick Boshier and Jazz Twemlow said: "We're really excited to bring our team together and work with some newer writers. We have no doubt the things we'll create will unequivocally bring about a utopian society.

"Given Bunya's track record of producing phenomenal drama, it's both really, really nice, and utterly petrifying to have their support as their first comedy venture.

"We're honoured to be working with Screen Australia and Screen QLD in helping bring this team together and establish new voices in Australian comedy."

Bunya are now looking for early career Queensland comedy writers, directors, on screen talent and crew to come on board for the Queensland component of the series. At least three Queensland writers and three Queensland directors plus performers and crew will work alongside the experienced team to create at least four episodes to be written and filmed in Queensland.

Applications for Queensland creatives, cast and crew are now open. For further details and to apply, go here

Screen Queensland CEO Tracey Vieira says that Screen Queensland is proud to partner with Bunya for what could be a career-breaking opportunity for emerging Queensland creatives.

“This initiative is an ideal opportunity for practitioners to build their careers and relationships with some of Australia’s biggest players in the TV and comedy space,” Ms Viera said.

Ms Vieira is encouraging applications from Queensland’s diverse talent in the local stand-up or performing arts scene, who aspire to bring their original ideas to screen.

“Many highly successful on-screen comedians or comedy writers started their careers on the club or festival circuit, so as an early-career opportunity, Nice Shorts is perfect to harness this active community of funny Queenslanders,” she said.

Production credit:Nice Shorts is a Bunya Productions production. Principal production investment from Screen Australia, in association with Screen Queensland.